“That’s what you are feeling,” he explains.
I glance down at my hand, feeling the warmth of my magic tingling in my fingertips. I know it’s true, and a slow smile spreads across my face as a wave of happiness washes over me.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of Kian quietly slipping away.
I feel a tug in my chest pulling me toward Maxon. As I look up into his eyes, an overwhelming desire to be nearer to him consumes me. Instinctively, I move closer, coming to a stop directly in front of him. I raise my hand and gently trace the tattoo on his face, my other hand finding its place on his arm. Closing his eyes, he leans into my hand, and I can’t help but smile. I let my hand lower to rest on his chest, my palm resting above hisheart. His violet eyes slowly open, filled with an overwhelming heat and desire that takes my breath away.
“You are driving me absolutely crazy,” he whispers.
I smile up at him, my cheeks warming under his intense gaze. His fingertips lightly graze my cheeks, sending a shiver down my spine.
“I love it when you blush,” he breathes, bending his head, and drawing me closer as his lips press against mine in a warm, heated kiss.
Maxon’s hands roam over my curves, pulling me closer and stoking the fire building in my veins. Suddenly, I’m swept off my feet and lifted into his arms. I let out an involuntary yelp, throwing my arms around his neck. One of his arms bands under my knees, the other behind my back. With a low chuckle, he makes my insides dance before leaning in to press a tender kiss on my forehead.
I feel the delicious warmth of his breath on my cheek as he grins down at me, running his nose along my temple. “I want to show you something.”
“I can walk.”
“I like holding you.”
“I’m too heavy,” I protest, feeling my cheeks burning again.
“No, you're not. You're perfect.”
My mouth snaps shut at the sincerity in his voice.
I smile, kicking my feet a little as my long, simple blue dress gracefully cascades down his arm, and I tenderly run my fingers through his silky hair behind his neck.
“Where are you taking me?”
“You’ll see.” He takes off down the path, heading deeper into the garden where it grows a little wilder. I haven’t been downthis way yet. My mouth drops open and I gasp at the sight of the massive weeping willow trees surrounding a giant lake.
“Oh, my gosh.”
Maxon gives me a gentle squeeze before placing me on my feet. Excitement bubbles inside me, and the wind seems to play around me in response. I laugh as the wind lifts my hair from around my shoulders, and I feel a gentle tug pulling me forward. I let out a gasp as my dress flutters around my legs. It’s as if the wind is trying to speak to me.
Looking over my shoulder, I find Maxon standing with his arms crossed over his chest, watching me with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.
I turn back toward the trees. They are absolutely breathtaking. What makes these weeping willows so beautiful is their unique coloring; some are a deep, majestic purple, while others are a pristine, snow white. The lake's surface glitters with the reflection of the branches and leaves skimming across its surface. I gaze out at the lake, captivated by its serene beauty. The sunlight glints off the ripples, creating a pattern of light and dark that resembles morse code, accompanied by the gentle sound of water lapping at the banks. I sense Maxon coming up behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist from behind, and sigh in contentment as I lean back against him.
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper.
Maxon spins me around and lifts me in his arms. I wrap my arms around his neck and he guides my legs around his waist, as he walks toward one of the weeping willow trees. My mind automatically goes to how secluded and hidden we’ll be in there.
The branches part. Did I make that happen?. If so, I have no clue how I’m doing it. Maxon’s eyes are alightwith so many emotions as he stops and slowly sets me down on my feet, landing on the soft mossy earth beneath me. He removes his jacket and lays it on the ground. Then he pulls his white shirt off, exposing the powerful muscles beneath. I nervously gulp, trying to moisten my now dry mouth.
With a smirk, he carelessly tosses it aside and steps closer to me, his hands wrapping around my hips with a firm grip. His mouth descends on mine, his kiss like fire, consuming me and leaving me dizzy with desire. My body lights up instantly, craving skin to skin contact.
“Maxon,” I pant, breaking the kiss.
I can feel the warmth of his breath on my skin as his lips trail down my neck and along my collarbone. His fingers slowly untie the ribbons of my dress. As soon as it is loosened enough, I step away and shimmy the dress down and over my hips, stepping out of it.
Maxon’s eyes slowly travel down my body and back up, lingering on my mouth. Wearing nothing but panties, I feel the cool air caress my breasts, making my nipples perk. His gaze darkens as it drops to them, and he bites down on his lip with a groan. Before I can react, he is on me, pressing me down to the ground.
Although his movements are swift and unexpected, his touch is soft and gentle. His body covers mine and his lips closes over my nipple as he cups my breast. I arch into his mouth, and his hair falls over my body, tickling my sides.
“Maxon . . . ” I breathe, hooking my leg around his hip.
